LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Strong winds will blow in the Southland amid warm temperatures today, creating elevated fire weather conditions through this evening and risks of power outages, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service forecast gusts of 20-35 miles per hour along the coasts and in southland valleys and of 35-50 mph in the mountains. But as of early this morning, the only wind advisory issued was for the Santa Clarita Valley and portions of San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. It will be in effect until 2 p.m. today.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,'' warned the NWS. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.''
The weather service said some freeways will be affected by strong winds, including the 14, 118 and 126.
“Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle,'' urged the weather service. “Secure outdoor objects.''
The NWS also urged residents to avoid sparking a fire by not burning trash outdoors or parking vehicles on dry grass.
In Orange County, a beach hazards statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in effect through Tuesday morning amid warnings of minor coastal flooding coinciding with high tides, with seas of 6.9 feet forecast in Newport Beach at 9:02 a.m. today and 6.6 feet at 9:44 a.m. Tuesday. No coastal warnings were immediately issued for L.A. County but beach hazards statements were in effect in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
“Minor coastal overflow could result in water in some beach parking lots and other low-lying immediate coastal locations,'' said the NWS about Orange County conditions. “Beaches most prone to flooding include (in Orange and San Diego counties) Sunset, Seal, Newport, Oceanside, Cardiff, La Jolla Shores and Imperial.''
Off the coast, hazardous wind and sea conditions are expected, prompting the NWS to issue a small craft advisory that will be in effect from midnight to 3 p.m. Tuesday, when inexperienced sailors are urged to remain out of the water, especially in small vessels.
Sunny skies and warm temperatures were forecast today in L.A. County, where highs will reach 72 degrees on Mount Wilson; 75 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 79 in Avalon; 85 at LAX; 86 in Saugus; 87 in Burbank; 88 in Long Beach; 88 in San Gabriel; 89 in Pasadena; and 91 in Woodland Hills and Downtown L.A. Tuesday's highs will be sharply lower in some communities. Downtown L.A., for example, will be 15 degrees lower. l.A. county temperatures will remain in the high 60s and low 70s through at least Sunday.
Sunny skies were also forecast in Orange County, but highs will be lower than in L.A. County: 69 on Santiago Peak; 77 in San Clemente; 80 in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach; 82 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet; 85 at Fremont Canyon; 87 in Yorba Linda and Mission Viejo; 88 at Trabuco Canyon; and 89 in Fullerton, Anaheim and Irvine. Temperatures will fall by up to 10 degrees Tuesday and remain in the high 60s and low 70s through Sunday.
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